Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has accused former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, of allegedly allowing a pregnant woman to remain in prison until she gave birth while in custody.
Wike made the allegation while speaking about events during Amaechi’s administration in Rivers State.
According to the FCT Minister, the incident was among the actions he attributed to the former governor and his administration.
Wike’s allegation comes amid renewed political exchanges between the two prominent Rivers State politicians, whose relationship has been marked by years of political rivalry.
The minister did not, in the remarks referenced, provide publicly verifiable details about the identity of the woman, the circumstances surrounding her arrest or imprisonment, or the specific prison where she allegedly gave birth.
The allegation should therefore be treated as a claim made by Wike and not as an established fact unless independently confirmed.
Wike and Amaechi’s political rivalry
Wike and Amaechi have been major figures in Rivers State politics for more than a decade.
Amaechi served as governor of Rivers State from 2007 to 2015 before becoming Minister of Transportation under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Wike, who succeeded Amaechi as governor in 2015, later served two terms as Rivers State governor before becoming FCT minister.
Their political relationship subsequently deteriorated, with both men and their political allies repeatedly exchanging accusations over issues relating to governance, political control and the affairs of Rivers State.
Wike has on several occasions criticised decisions taken during Amaechi’s tenure, while Amaechi and his supporters have also challenged Wike’s political positions.
Allegation over pregnant woman
The latest claim focuses on the treatment of a pregnant woman who, according to Wike, was allegedly kept in custody until she delivered her baby.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged imprisonment remain unclear from the claim, including whether the woman had been convicted, was awaiting trial, or was being held under another legal arrangement.
There are broader concerns internationally about the treatment and healthcare needs of pregnant women in custody. Research has documented that pregnancy in prison can create additional challenges involving healthcare, childbirth, privacy and the welfare of newborn babies.
However, those general concerns do not independently establish the specific allegation made by Wike against Amaechi.
Political tensions remain
The allegation is likely to add to the continuing political tension between supporters of Wike and Amaechi.
Both men remain influential in Nigerian politics, particularly in Rivers State, where their respective political camps have continued to compete for influence.
As of the time of publication, the specific details of the alleged incident and any response from Amaechi to Wike’s latest claim would need to be independently verified.
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